Nursery Chest DIY Makeover

by Diana Durkes

Here’s an original project idea for baby’s nursery. It’s DIY time, with furniture and accessories makeover specialist, Contributor Diana Durkes. Diana gives “New Life to the Tossed and Found” at her blog, Fine Diving.

I came upon this sweet cupboard at a house sale last month. It was a lesser piece among a houseful of pretty, practical antiques. Many had sold, but this little piece was still there in an upstairs bedroom.

Before and After a Coat of Fresh White Paint.

“It just needs a little TLC,” the saleswoman said when I opened the dresser. I shared her vision. A fresh coat of white outside and a favorite shade, pickup truck blue, inside.

With its shallow drawers on top and deep ones below, I thought this dresser would be a welcome piece in a nursery. Onesies and diapers could be stored in the top, no bending over required. Blankets and outfits to grow into could be kept in the bottom,
deeper drawers.

I lined the drawers with a few sheets of paper from the Paper Source. An archival quality mounting glue holds them in place — I used one called Memory Mount.

How to add an element of design for the very young to the dresser?

There are so many wonderful prints for decorating a baby’s room—great crib linens, fabrics and art—that I didn’t want to limit their choice by creating a permanent pattern on a large piece.

I created a paper cut of branches and birds with sharp scissors and Bristol board, which is a smooth, heavy bond paper found in art stores. Then, I mounted the cuttings to the inside doors with rubber cement. It’s an excellent adhesive for this purpose because it’s dry (no drips) and forgiving. It allows you to slide and reposition images, and then rub away the excess glue with your fingertip.

The paper cut pattern isn’t permanent unless coated with a few layers of polyurethane. Or, in its prime spot for everyday use, it can be admired for awhile, then replaced with photos, kids’ art and other reminders of a busy, creative life.

Diana Durkes is a creative recycler and a confessed alley shopper. She gives a makeover to one found item each week, and publishes the before & after on her blog, Fine Diving.